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Walking Barefoot Pain Foot My FootDr

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer! The warmer weather means we’re swapping our boots and slippers for sandals and open-toed shoes, and whilst nothing beats squishing the sand between your toes on a hot summer’s day, the impending warm weather can leave some of us worried about our cracked heels!

Smooth, healthy feet look and feel good. Cracked, dry skin on your feet, especially along your heels, is not only unattractive but can also be painful or itchy. Sometimes feet can become flaky and callused to the point that wearing sandals is out of the question, which could be making you uncomfortable in the summertime. Though it’s usually simple to treat dry or cracked heels at home, if the condition becomes severe enough, it warrants a visit to a podiatrist.

When to see a podiatrist for cracked heels

You can usually treat your cracked heels at home, but some situations call for a podiatrist’s care. Elderly people who develop severe cracks should seek medical attention to prevent ulcers or bedsores from forming. We recommend that you see your podiatrist or doctor if your heels crack and: you are diabetic, have impaired circulation or an autoimmune disorder, or suffer from skin conditions. If you are in good health but home treatment does not heal the cracks or your feet bleed, make an appointment with a foot specialist.

How heal cracked heels at home

Are you looking for a way to heal your cracked heels fast? Meet the Urea cream! For soft and soothed cracked heels this season, we recommend you choose smoother feet with this not-so-secret product! Urea is not just a great compound found in facial moisturisers and anti-aging creams, but it’s also an excellent solution for cracked heels.

What makes this cracked heel cream so great?

Moisturises: Urea draws moisture to the skin and hydrates dry areas, making it a great moisturiser and exfoliator.

Strengthen skins barriers: Urea keeps the skin’s barrier strong and healthy by renewing and regenerating skin cells. A strong skin barrier can keep out potential irritants.

Minimises water loss: Urea absorbs water, but also has a high water content which reduces the amount of water lost through the skins epidermis or outermost layer.

Penetration of other products: Urea improves the absorbency and penetration of other skin care products because of how it acts on the skin’s barrier.

Concentrations: Urea is also available in different concentrations depending on the condition of your feet. 5-10% urea is great to keep skin moisturised. 15-30% urea is recommended for very hard and dry skin.

FAQs

What does dry cracked heels mean?

Cracked heels are a common foot condition that present as splits in the dry skin around the heel. When the skin around the heel becomes dry it can often lose its elasticity, making it easy for it to split when pressure is put onto the heel from body weight while walking and standing.

How to avoid cracked heels

An effective way to help avoid cracked heels is to keep them well hydrated by moisturising your feet daily. Moisturisation aided by adequate water intake for hydration and a nutritionally well-balanced diet will assist in preventing dryness and cracking of the skin.

It is also useful to wear appropriate footwear that doesn’t encourage the development of dry skin. This means avoiding wearing thongs or walking barefoot for prolonged periods and opting for shoes with an enclosed heel to keep the area protected.

How to relieve cracked heels?

A good way to relieve cracked heels is by soaking them in a foot bath of lukewarm soapy water for 20 minutes. After patting your feet dry apply a urea cream or moisturiser to your heel and put on socks to lock in the moisture.

Will a pedicure fix cracked heels?

A pedicurist may exfoliate your heels and lessen the visible signs, however cracked heels can be a result of an underlying problem that may need to be assessed by your podiatrist. A pedicure will not effectively treat the issue and it is likely you will need to continue your own maintenance with a urea cream.

Now that you know how to achieve beautifully moisturised heels, check out our newest arrivals of orthopaedic sandals to show them off!

Acacia by Naot:

Acacia is a fully adjustable orthotic friendly sandal with stylish perforated leather detailing across the instep. The lightweight sandal will literally pair with any wardrobe choice making it the perfect summer staple.

Adonica by Naot:

Adonica is the soft suede slip on that ticks all the boxes for this seasons slide trend. With removable insoles for orthotics and adjustable velcro straps, this shoe is perfect for those looking for an stylish slide.

Calais by Revere

The Calais slide is the perfect combination of comfort and ease. The simple slide is made of soft premium leather with removable insoles to accommodate orthotics. The ultimate staple for casual style.

Madrid by Revere:

Madrid is an orthotics friendly favourite with buttery soft leather and a sleek silhouette. With complimentary strap extensions and padded lining this will be your everyday shoe for everyday activities.

For the month of October we are offering 20% off all urea creams! Available at all My FootDr locations.